Hinged Closure Patents (Class 220/263)
  • Patent number: 7264133
    Abstract: A trash can assembly has a shell having a bottom end, a base secured to the bottom end and a foot pedal assembly coupled to the base. The foot pedal assembly has a pedal bar pivotably secured to the base, and a foot pedal. The foot pedal can be separated from the pedal bar before placing the trash can assembly inside a containing box.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2007
    Assignee: Simplehuman LLC
    Inventors: Frank Yang, Joseph Sandor
  • Patent number: 7225943
    Abstract: A trash can assembly has a shell having an enclosing wall that defines a periphery. The assembly has a lid fitted over the top of the shell, and a foot pedal positioned adjacent the bottom of the shell, with a portion of the foot pedal positioned inside the periphery of the shell. The assembly also includes a link assembly coupling the foot pedal and the lid. The assembly can also include a liner defining a container body, the liner fitted inside the shell and having an indent provided on the container body. A handle mechanism has a link strip that has a hooked end, with the hooked end engaging the indent to lift the liner from inside the shell.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2007
    Assignee: Simplehuman LLC
    Inventors: Frank Yang, Joseph Sandor
  • Patent number: 7125062
    Abstract: A multi-functional cargo area assembly for a cargo bed of a vehicle includes a first and a second sidewall disposed in a transversely spaced relationship, and an integrally formed guide track in the first and second sidewalls. The cargo area assembly also includes extendible sidewall portions. The cargo area assembly further includes a movable divider panel supported with the guide track by a support rod, and extending transversely between the first and second sidewalls, wherein the divider panel includes a positioning mechanism for fixedly locating the divider panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2006
    Assignee: Projx, Inc.
    Inventors: Lowell Kiester, Douglas Street
  • Patent number: 7121421
    Abstract: A trash can assembly has a lid pivotably coupled to an upper end of an outer shell, and a pivoting pedal bar that is coupled to the lid via a link rod. The closing motion of the lid is dampened by counter-balancing the closing force of the lid, which can be accomplished by generating a counter-balance force against the pedal bar that is equal to or slightly less than the closing force of the lid. The counter-balance force can be made to vary during the closing motion of the lid. In addition, the entire link rod can be positioned inside the interior of the outer shell, and the pivot axis of the lid about the outer shell can also also positioned inside the interior of the outer shell.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 17, 2006
    Assignee: Simplehumer, LLC
    Inventors: Frank Yang, Joseph Sandor
  • Patent number: 7108148
    Abstract: A dustbin has a main lid pivoted thereto, a second lid slidable on the main lid for covering an opening of the main lid with, a pedal, and a tube having a slide movably confined therein; a first rope is connected to the pedal and the slide while a second rope is connected to the slide and the second lid such that the second lid will be opened immediately after the pedal is depressed; a third rope is connected to the main lid at upper end, and passed through the slide, and has a block connected to the lower end, which is a distance away from the slide before the pedal is depressed; thus, the main lid will be opened by pulling the third rope downwards, and the third rope won't be pulled until the pedal is depressed to such a position that the slide contacts the block to make the block move.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 19, 2006
    Assignee: Tieh Chin Kung Metal Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Jin-Chu Lu
  • Patent number: 7086550
    Abstract: A trash can assembly has a shell, a lid fitted over the top end of the shell, a foot pedal positioned adjacent the bottom end of the shell, a link assembly coupling the foot pedal and the lid, and a lock secured to the lid and removably engaged with the shell to maintain the lid in an open position without pressing the foot pedal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 8, 2006
    Assignee: Simplehuman LLC
    Inventors: Frank Yang, Joseph Sandor
  • Patent number: 7051897
    Abstract: A closure assembly 10 contains positive and/or vacuum pressure within a pressure vessel 16 having a neck 12. A circumferential locking member 22 supported on a door 20 locks the door to the neck, and is radially moveable between an open position and a closed position. A seal 26 between the neck and the door maintains fluid-tight integrity. A lever or other hand powered operator may be used for moving the locking member between the open position and the closed position. The locking member may include locking segments interconnected to form the circumferential locking member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2006
    Assignee: Robbins & Myers Energy Systems, L.P.
    Inventor: Douglas J. McGuire
  • Patent number: 7044323
    Abstract: A trash can assembly has a shell having a bottom end, a base secured to the bottom end and a foot pedal assembly coupled to the base. The foot pedal assembly has a pedal bar pivotably secured to the base, and a foot pedal. The foot pedal can be separated from the pedal bar before placing the trash can assembly inside a containing box.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2006
    Assignee: Simplehuman LLC
    Inventors: Frank Yang, Joseph Sandor
  • Patent number: 7036674
    Abstract: A closure assembly 10 contains positive and/or vacuum pressure within a pressure vessel 16 having a neck 12. A circumferential locking member 22 supported on a door 20 locks the door to the neck, and is radially moveable between an open position and a closed position. A seal 26 between the neck and the door maintains fluid-tight integrity. A lever or other hand powered operator may be used for moving the locking member between the open position and the closed position. The locking member may include locking segments interconnected to form the circumferential locking member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2006
    Assignee: Robbins & Myers Energy Systems, L.P.
    Inventor: Douglas J. McGuire
  • Patent number: 7033039
    Abstract: A trash storage apparatus includes a can, an illuminating element and a driver. The can is used for receiving garbage. The illuminating element is mounted on the can. The driver is used for driving the illuminating element to shine in the dark. The trash storage apparatus may include a lid for covering the can and a pedal connected with the lid. The illuminating element is attached to the pedal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 25, 2006
    Inventor: Tsong-Yow Lin
  • Patent number: 7000796
    Abstract: A refuse receptacle has an outer container with a lid closing an insertion opening in the upper region. A foot pedal is attached to the refuse receptacle and the actuation of which enables the lid of the refuse receptacle to be moved into an opening position. The foot pedal is of annular design and encircles the outer container and being arranged in the lower region thereof. The foot pedal is designed in a manner such that it can be depressed in a linear movement in order to open the lid, and an outer housing, which is connected to the foot pedal, or a casing of the refuse receptacle being able to be depressed together with the foot pedal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2006
    Assignee: Hailo-Werk Rudolf Loh GmbH & Co.
    Inventors: Dirk Goritzka, Friedrich-Ernst Weller, Udo Thielking
  • Patent number: 6991127
    Abstract: A collapsible refuse can includes a can body, a bottom, a cap, a pedal and a cap opening member and plural bag hangers. The can body consists of two half shells combined by means of elongate hooks, with the bottom fitted firmly in a lower open side with an open upper side closed with a cap possible to be opened by the cap opening member, when the cap opening member is lifted up by the pedal stepped down. And a refuse bag is secured on an upper inner surface of the can body by means of the plural bag hangers. Then the collapsible refuse can has a small size when collapsed, beneficial for carrying, transporting and storing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2006
    Inventor: Hsiang-Hua Chiu Huang
  • Patent number: 6983685
    Abstract: A garbage can capable of compressing garbage volume consists of an outer cylinder and a top cylinder. A top cover has a top plate with a through hole. The circumference of the top plate extends downwards to form an inner wall and the outer circumference of the top plate extends downwards to form an outer wall such that a space between the outer and inner walls can be formed. The front and the back sides of the space form a front trough and a back trough respectively and a small sheaf is placed on the front and back sections of the left and right hand walls of the space with a pedal located below the upper cover. A reset component includes mainly a first elastic part and a second elastic part. The first elastic part is located inside the front trough of the top cover, and the two ends have been fixed on a wire pedal. The second elastic part is placed inside the back trough of the top cover, and the two ends are fixed respectively on pedal with the wire.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2006
    Inventor: Wen-Hsiung Ko
  • Patent number: 6981606
    Abstract: A trash can assembly has a shell, a lid fitted over the top end of the shell, a pedal positioned adjacent the bottom end of the shell, a link assembly coupling the pedal and the lid, and a motion damper coupled to the link assembly for slowing the closing motion of the lid. The assembly also includes an inner liner that is retained inside the shell, with a support frame secured to the top end of the shell and having a ridge on which a peripheral lip of the inner liner rests.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2006
    Assignee: Simplehuman LLC
    Inventors: Frank Yang, Joseph Sandor, Alex Grande Fermin, Jr., Myk Wayne Lum, Adam Courtney Wade
  • Patent number: 6920994
    Abstract: A garbage storage device includes a base, a bin, a pedal, a lid, a linkage, a buffer and a guide. The bin is installed on the base. The pedal is mounted on the bin. The lid is mounted on the bin. The linkage includes a crankshaft and a rod. The crankshaft includes a shaft mounted on the base, a first crank extending from the shaft for contact with the pedal and a second crank extending from the shaft. The rod includes a middle portion, a first end extending from the middle portion into connection with the second crank and a second end extending from the middle portion into connection with the lid. The buffer includes a first end connected with the base and a second end connected with the first end of the rod. The guide is mounted on the base for guiding and ensuring smooth movement of the first end of the rod.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 26, 2005
    Inventor: Tsong-Yow Lin
  • Patent number: 6902082
    Abstract: A modular solvent recovery device (30) includes an enclosure (34) mounted to a frame (32) to enclose a tank (70) having a solvent section (72) and a waste fluid section (73), a still (40) in which waste photopolymer fluid is distilled by application of heat and vacuum pressure to the waste photopolymer fluid to distill a solvent from the waste photopolymer fluid and reduce the waste photopolymer fluid to a coalescing concentrated residue, and a flash-point-increasing agent delivery system (95) to supply a flash-point-increasing agent to the concentrated residue in an amount sufficient to raise the flash point temperature of the coalescing concentrated residue to a predetermined temperature. The still has a manhole device (46) comprising a pivotally and telescopically mounted closure (47) having wheels (51) rotatably mounted thereto and tracks (52) mounted to the still to engage the wheels and raise the closure vertically above a manhole (42) of the still upon pivotal movement of the closure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2005
    Assignee: IHS Solvent Solutions, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael D. Mabry, Donald R. McAllister
  • Patent number: 6883676
    Abstract: A garbage storage device includes a base, a bin installed on the base, a pedal mounted on the bin, a lid mounted on the bin, a linkage arranged between the pedal and the lid and a buffer arranged between the base and the linkage. The buffer includes a first cylinder including a closed end connected with the base and an open end through which a spring is inserted and a second cylinder including an open end through which the spring is inserted and a closed end connected with the linkage. The first cylinder is partially inserted in the second cylinder. The first cylinder includes an ear formed at the closed end and mounted on ears of the base. The second cylinder includes a tube transversely extending from the closed end for receiving the first end of the second lever.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2005
    Inventor: Tsong-Yow Lin
  • Patent number: 6859005
    Abstract: A garbage container includes a base section for collecting garbage and a lid section attachable to the base section. The lid section includes an access door pivotally operable therewith. The garbage container further includes a sensor connected to the top surface of the lid section and for determining when an object has reached a predetermined distance therefrom. The garbage container further includes a housing and a motor disposed therein and connected to the sensor. A plurality of arm members each have a first end portion passing through a corresponding one of a plurality of slots and are operable by the motor. The plurality of arm members each further has a second opposed end portion connected to the access door respectively. The plurality of arm members are preferably selectively pivotable about the first end portions and in a generally arcuate path to thereby move the access door between open and closed positions based upon signals transmitted by the sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2005
    Inventor: Lynette S. Boliver
  • Patent number: 6837393
    Abstract: A garbage can has two shutters, which can be made to pivot between a closed position by means of a tension spring and an opened position by means of depressing a pedal; the pedal is connected to a connecting rod up and down movable together with an actuating plate for the shutters; the connecting rod is further connected to a buffer mechanism consisting of a fixed rod part, and main body, which is movable relative to the rod part together with the connecting rod, so that the main body will move up relative to the rod part at such a speed as to counteract the tension spring, and slow down the movement of the shutters from the opened position to the closed position after the pedal is released from the depressed position, preventing the shutters from hitting the containing body too hard.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2005
    Assignee: Sincere & Well Being Industrial Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Chen-Hung Kuo
  • Patent number: 6827904
    Abstract: A liquid dispensing apparatus, includes a container for containing a liquid, a container setting part for setting the container, a dispensing mechanism part having a pipette for drawing and dispensing the liquid, a raising/lowering part for raising and lowering the pipette, a base for holding the raising/lowering part and provided with a projecting part, and a base driving part for moving the base. A lid capable of being opened/closed with an opening/closing pivot part is coupled to the container, and the lid is provided with a hook part projecting upward from the lid for engaging with the projecting part, which opens the lid by abutting against the hook part and moving the hook part toward the pivot part side of the container as the base moves relatively to the container and retains the state of the lid opened.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 7, 2004
    Assignee: Sysmex Corporation
    Inventor: Nobuhiro Kitagawa
  • Publication number: 20040222225
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a refuse receptacle having an outer container with a lid closing an insertion opening in the upper region, including a foot pedal which is attached to the refuse receptacle and the actuation of which enables the lid of the refuse receptacle to be moved into an opening position, the foot pedal being of annular design and running at a distance around the outer container and being arranged in the lower region thereof, the foot pedal being designed in a manner such that it can be depressed in a linear movement in order to open the lid, and an outer housing, which is connected to the foot pedal, or a casing of the refuse receptacle being able to be depressed together with the foot pedal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 8, 2003
    Publication date: November 11, 2004
    Inventors: Dirk Goritzka, Friedrich-Ernst Weller, Udo Thielking
  • Patent number: 6808080
    Abstract: An apparatus designed to automatically latch and unlatch the lid of a container. The apparatus includes a weight pivotally mounted on the side of the container for movement between first and second positions. The weight is positively connected to a latch by a connecting rod, and as the weight pivots between first and second positions, it moves the latch between latching and unlatching positions. Tipping the container causes the weight to shift thus the container is unlatched only when it is being dumped. A method for operating the latch is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 26, 2004
    Assignee: Delaware Capital Formation, Inc.
    Inventors: Kent Spiers, Barry Sandlin
  • Publication number: 20040206758
    Abstract: A garbage storage device includes a base, a bin, a pedal, a lid, a linkage, a buffer and a guide. The bin is installed on the base. The pedal is mounted on the bin. The lid is mounted on the bin. The linkage includes a crankshaft and a rod. The crankshaft includes a shaft mounted on the base, a first crank extending from the shaft for contact with the pedal and a second crank extending from the shaft. The rod includes a middle portion, a first end extending from the middle portion into connection with the second crank and a second end extending from the middle portion into connection with the lid. The buffer includes a first end connected with the base and a second end connected with the first end of the rod. The guide is mounted on the base for guiding and ensuring smooth movement of the first end of the rod.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 18, 2003
    Publication date: October 21, 2004
    Inventor: Tsong-Yow Lin
  • Publication number: 20040188441
    Abstract: An activating device activates a cover for the opening face of a container. Pivot arms are fixed to a pivot unit equipped with an electric motor through a reduction gear at one ends, and fixed to plate springs at the other ends. One end portions of the plate springs are fixed to the respective front and rear portions of the cover, the other end portions thereof are fixed to the other ends of the pivot arms. The resiliency of the plate spring is set lower in the vertical direction of the container. The plate spring is bent from its other end portion toward its one end portion at substantially 90° or larger of bending angle. The plate spring is formed so that it bends toward the inside of the center of the cover between the pivot arm and the cover.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 11, 2004
    Publication date: September 30, 2004
    Applicant: TS Corporation
    Inventors: Yoshihide Nishimura, Toshihiro Yudate
  • Patent number: 6795984
    Abstract: A spa cover lifting device employs a pivot bar attached to a piston and transverse bar. The pivot bar and piston are anchored adjacent to a spa, and the transverse bar extends in a perpendicular direction across the spa cover. The pivot bar is anchored to the spa by a first mounting bracket, and the piston is anchored to the spa by a separate, second mounting bracket. As the pivot bar is raised, it is augmented by the piston to assist in lifting the spa cover, while the transverse bar transfers the lifting force to the spa cover.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 28, 2004
    Inventor: James P. Brady
  • Patent number: 6793089
    Abstract: A can (20) includes a main body (22) having a predetermined cavity (21) for storing beverage, a seal member (30) sectioned by an arch shaped notch portion (24) formed on an upper surface of the main body and having first and second inclined portions (32, 33) with respect to a support wrinkled portion (31) formed with a step, a thimble portion (34) formed at the seal member such that the support wrinkled portion adjacent to the notch portion can be vertically disposed at a central portion thereof, a wrinkled portion (35) formed at the second inclined portion and bent in a wave shape when the notch portion is destroyed, and an initial destruction portion (36) formed at a portion adjacent to the thimble portion and the notch portion for initially destroying the notch portion when the thimble portion is bent.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 21, 2004
    Assignee: Magicpia Incorporation
    Inventor: Namyoung Kim
  • Patent number: 6793084
    Abstract: Collection, transportation and storage container (10) for liquid and/or solid substances, having a container body (12) which is of double-walled form in the base and circumferential regions as a result of an inner container inserted into the outer container and continuously cylindrical from the base to the filling aperture, and has at its top a filling aperture which is of circular outline in plan view and can be hermetically sealed by a pivotable lid (14) with an annular seal. The inner container has a continuous cylindrical shape from the base to the filling aperture, and the lid (14) is circularly defined, at least in a part-region on the container side in the closed state, so that it can be pivoted to fit into the inner container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 21, 2004
    Inventor: Claus Wunsch
  • Patent number: 6789578
    Abstract: A remotely operable closure device is disclosed. The device includes a base hub, a clamping mechanism, a closure mechanism, and a drive mechanism. The base hub is attached to a conduit and allows access to the conduit. The clamping mechanism is disposed about the base hub and is actuatable to clamp or unclamp about the base hub and a blind hub. The closure mechanism is movably connected to the clamping mechanism and is actuatable therewith to move the blind hub into or out of engagement with the base hub. The drive mechanism is remotely operable to simultaneously actuate the clamping mechanism and the closure mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 14, 2004
    Assignee: Reflange, Inc.
    Inventors: Raymond E. Latham, Gyula Pasztor
  • Patent number: 6789537
    Abstract: A device for foot operation of the cover of a cooking instrument, such as a barbecue grill, includes a lever located so as to be operated by a foot, a lift support attached to the cover of the cooking instrument and a linkage connecting the foot operated lever and the lift support. A spring connected to the lift support assists in operating the lid with only a small amount of foot pressure. The foot operated lever can be moved so as to lock the cover in the open position. This enables the cover of the cooking instrument to be safely and conveniently operated in a “no hands” manner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 14, 2004
    Inventors: Kenneth R. Lutz, Jill D. Lutz
  • Publication number: 20040175303
    Abstract: A garbage storage apparatus includes a bin, a cover and an air cleaner. The bin defines a space for storing garbage. The cover is for covering the bin. The air cleaner is communicated with the bin for cleaning air in the bin. The air cleaner may include a catalyst for processing the air. The catalyst may be an optical catalyst that is activated by means of light.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 3, 2003
    Publication date: September 9, 2004
    Inventor: Tsong-Yow Lin
  • Publication number: 20040164077
    Abstract: A container includes a main containing body for containing objects therein, a lid pivotally connected to an upper end of the main body, and a control mechanism fitted to the main body for moving the lid between an open position and a closed position; the control mechanism has a transmission rod, and has a pedal for moving the transmission rod up and down so as to move the lid between open and closed positions. A buffering element is fixedly connected to the main body at one end, and is joined to the transmission rod for counteracting downward movement of the transmission rod when the lid is being pivoted down from the open position to the closed one, thus eliminating noise caused by the lid hitting the main body.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 20, 2003
    Publication date: August 26, 2004
    Inventor: Chen-Hung Kuo
  • Patent number: 6772899
    Abstract: A case essentially comprising a base, a lid and articulation means for articulating the lid with respect to the base. The articulation means have a pin and a seating in which the pin pivots in a direction of rotation, in order to articulate the lid with respect to the base between a closed position in which the articulation means are concealed on the inside of the case and an open position. The seating extends in a direction of slide substantially perpendicular to the direction of rotation to further permit translation of the lid in the direction of slide and the device further comprises means for combining the movements of rotation and of translation of the lid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 10, 2004
    Assignee: Qualipac
    Inventor: Marc Delmon
  • Patent number: 6763965
    Abstract: A utensil cover lift and support apparatus made adaptable for use with a cooking and food serving utensil generally comprising a cover having a handle extending upwardly therefrom, the lift and support assembly comprising a support fork assembly having a latch mechanism pivotally attached to a pair of elongate arms each being configurably arranged to engage a portion of the cover's handle and a vertical support member selectively situated in between the two elongate arms and pivotally connected thereto and having an adjustable support block slidably connected thereto for engaging an outer lip made part of the cooking and food serving utensil and at least one strap of continuous structure to circumferentially engage the sidewalls of the cooking and food serving utensil, collectively serving to secure the utensil cover lift and support apparatus to the cooking and food serving utensil insofar to assist in achieving the desirable objective of lifting and supporting the cover to gain momentary access to come
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 20, 2004
    Inventor: Christopher Eugene Parenteau
  • Publication number: 20040134914
    Abstract: A waste storage device includes an inlet aperture and a length of flexible tubing passing through the inlet aperture from a cassette. The flexible tubing is pinched by a pair of rollers which can have continuous surfaces or multiple paddles. The waste product is placed into the aperture and the rollers rotate drawing the waste product down into the device and pinching the storage bag above it. The operation can be manually or motor driven.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 22, 2003
    Publication date: July 15, 2004
    Applicant: Melrose Products Limited
    Inventor: David Charles Richards
  • Publication number: 20040113032
    Abstract: A utensil cover lift and support apparatus made adaptable for use with a cooking and food serving utensil generally comprising a cover having a handle extending upwardly therefrom, the lift and support assembly comprising a support fork assembly having a latch mechanism pivotally attached to a pair of elongate arms each being configurably arranged to engage a portion of the cover's handle and a vertical support member selectively situated in between the two elongate arms and pivotally connected thereto and having an adjustable support block slidably connected thereto for engaging an outer lip made part of the cooking and food serving utensil and at least one strap of continuous structure to circumferentially engage the sidewalls of the cooking and food serving utensil, collectively serving to secure the utensil cover lift and support apparatus to the cooking and food serving utensil insofar to assist in achieving the desireble objective of lifting and supporting the cover to gain momentary access to comestibl
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 17, 2002
    Publication date: June 17, 2004
    Inventor: Christopher Eugene Parenteau
  • Publication number: 20040108317
    Abstract: A vacuum container compromising a vacuum producing means to create a vacuum within said container, a conduit to vacuum solids or liquids into the vacuum container, an access door and a means to close and/or open the access door from within the vacuum container. The door closure/opening means having door attachment means so as to equalize sealing pressures throughout the door sealing means. The door closure/opening means may be powered by a means disposed within the vacuum container or located external to the vacuum container. A means external to the vacuum container may be used to activate the internal door closure/opening means. Should the internal door closure means fail to open the door, an external fastener or access means may be used to override or remove the internal closure means.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 9, 2002
    Publication date: June 10, 2004
    Inventor: Don Martin Buckner
  • Patent number: 6739474
    Abstract: A garbage can for use in an automobile includes a container, and a lid; the container has two apart opposing projections on a top; each connecting projection has a pivotal hole extending horizontally from an inward end towards other end, a stopping convexity on the inward end, and front and rear locating concavities respectively adjacent to front and rear edges of the stopping convexity; the lid has two flexible and resilient connecting rods joined to a rear edge; the connecting rods are inserted into the pivotal holes for pivoting the lid to the container, and engage the front concavities when the lid is closed, and engage the rear concavities when the lid is moved to an upright position. An adjustable fastening plate is pivoted to the container, and inserted into narrow rooms between two adjacent parts inside a car for securing the garbage can in position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 25, 2004
    Inventor: Wen-Chang Wang
  • Publication number: 20040089663
    Abstract: The lid lifting device is designed for use on a common trash bin. The lid lifting device is commonly used to aid the operator in accessing the trash bin while the hands of the operator are not free to lift the bin lid. The device is a simple mechanism, which employs the principles of leverage to both aid the operator in easily opening the lid, while at the same time serving to increase the safety of the operator during trash disposal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 13, 2002
    Publication date: May 13, 2004
    Inventor: Fred Finkelstein
  • Patent number: 6719194
    Abstract: A waste storage device includes an inlet aperture and a length of flexible tubing passing through the inlet aperture from a cassette. The flexible tubing is pinched by a pair of rollers which can have continuous surfaces or multiple paddles. The waste product is placed into the aperture and the rollers rotate drawing the waste product down into the device and pinching the storage bag above it. The operation can be manually or motor driven.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 13, 2004
    Assignee: Melrose Products Limited
    Inventor: David Charles Richards
  • Publication number: 20040056031
    Abstract: A closure assembly 10 contains positive and/or vacuum pressure within a pressure vessel 16 having a neck 12. A circumferential locking member 22 supported on a door 20 locks the door to the neck, and is radially moveable between an open position and a closed position. A seal 26 between the neck and the door maintains fluid-tight integrity. A lever or other hand powered operator may be used for moving the locking member between the open position and the closed position. The locking member may include locking segments interconnected to form the circumferential locking member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 23, 2002
    Publication date: March 25, 2004
    Inventor: Douglas J. McGuire
  • Publication number: 20040020928
    Abstract: A garbage storage device includes a base with a flat back, an external bin mounted on the base and formed with a flat back in flush with that of the base, a internal bin received in the external bin and formed with a recessed back defining a space together with the flat back of the external bin, a pedal pivotally mounted on the base or the internal bin, a hinge mounted on the internal bin and formed with a flat back in flush with that of the base, a lid pivotally connected with the hinge and a lever connected between the pedal and the lid and received in the space defined between the flat back of the external bin and the recessed back of the internal bin. In an aspect, the pedal is mounted on the base. The pedal is an elongated element including a first end and a second end, and is substantially within the base except for its first end extending through an aperture defined in a front portion of the base.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 5, 2002
    Publication date: February 5, 2004
    Inventor: Tsong-Yow Lin
  • Patent number: 6685044
    Abstract: Refuse bin with tiltable lid comprises a support member (1) to be secured at a fixed point spaced from the ground, and an upperly open refuse container (2) of virtually vertical longitudinal axis removably coupled to said support member on a transverse horizontal swing axis (333) such as to enable the container to automatically occupy a predetermined substantially erect non-use position in which it is closed by a respective lid, the lid being hinged to said support member on a horizontal axis (222) parallel to the preceding and being linked to the container in such a manner as to be opened and closed when said container swings about its swing axis in the direction in which it moves away from said substantially erect position, and in the opposite direction, respectively.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2004
    Assignee: Stil Casa S.N.C. di Marcheselli Angelo & C.
    Inventors: Giuseppe Marcheselli, Maurizio Marcheselli
  • Publication number: 20040016756
    Abstract: A garbage storage device includes a base, a bin installed on the base, a pedal mounted on the bin, a lid mounted on the bin, a linkage arranged between the pedal and the lid and a buffer arranged between the base and the linkage. The buffer includes a spring connected between the base and the linkage. The buffer further includes a first cylinder including a closed end connected with the base and an open end through which the spring is inserted and a second cylinder including an open end through which the spring is inserted and a closed end connected with the linkage. One of the first and second cylinders is partially inserted in the other one of the first and second cylinders. The first cylinder is partially inserted in the second cylinder. The buffer includes a ring mounted on the first cylinder. The buffer includes a groove defined around one of the first cylinder for receiving the ring. The base includes two ears formed thereon.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 26, 2002
    Publication date: January 29, 2004
    Inventor: Tsong-Yow Lin
  • Publication number: 20040004080
    Abstract: A trash can assembly has a shell, a lid fitted over the top end of the shell, a pedal positioned adjacent the bottom end of the shell, a link assembly coupling the pedal and the lid, and a motion damper coupled to the link assembly for slowing the closing motion of the lid. The assembly also includes an inner liner that is retained inside the shell, with a support frame secured to the top end of the shell and having a ridge on which a peripheral lip of the inner liner rests. Two or more inner liners can be provided inside the shell. In addition, the lid can be pivotably connected to the upper edge of the outer shell by a connector which has a sleeve that is coupled to the upper edge of the outer shell, a non-metal tube that is positioned inside the sleeve, and a shaft received inside the bore of the tube.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 27, 2003
    Publication date: January 8, 2004
    Inventors: Frank Yang, Joseph Sandor
  • Patent number: 6665890
    Abstract: A device for removing spa covers and putting them aside while the spa is in use, and returning them to cover the spa after use. This invention lifts the cover in the flat position, then the cover may be rotated clockwise or counter clockwise to uncover the spa for use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 23, 2003
    Inventor: John Tedrick
  • Publication number: 20030230576
    Abstract: A storage device includes a bin, a cover mounted on the bin, a pedal assembly mounted on the bin and a linkage connected between the cover and the pedal assembly. The pedal assembly can be trod so as to pivot the cover via the linkage. The pedal assembly includes a frame mounted on the bin and a pedal pivotally mounted on the frame. The frame includes two side plates each defining a cutout. The pedal includes two shafts formed thereon and inserted in the cutouts. Each of the shafts includes a head formed thereon for avoiding axial escape thereof from one of the side plates. The frame includes a flange formed thereon. In an aspect, a portion of the bin is restrained between the flange and the heads. In another aspect, a latch may be used to lock the frame to the bin and the pedal to the frame. The latch includes two fins formed thereon. Each of the side plates defines a slot for receiving one of the fins or alternatively the frame includes an upper plate defining a slot for receiving the latch.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 17, 2002
    Publication date: December 18, 2003
    Inventor: Tsong-You Lin
  • Publication number: 20030201267
    Abstract: A trash can assembly has a shell, a lid fitted over the top end of the shell, a pedal positioned adjacent the bottom end of the shell, a link assembly coupling the pedal and the lid, and a motion damper coupled to the link assembly for slowing the closing motion of the lid. The assembly also includes an inner liner that is retained inside the shell, with a support frame secured to the top end of the shell and having a ridge on which a peripheral lip of the inner liner rests.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 24, 2002
    Publication date: October 30, 2003
    Inventors: Frank Yang, Joseph Sandor, Alex Grande Fermin, Myk Wayne Lum, Adam Courtney Wade
  • Publication number: 20030201268
    Abstract: A garbage storage device includes a bin, a bracket, a lid, a pedal, a linkage and a buffer. The bracket is formed on or attached to the bin. The lid is pivotally mounted on the bracket. The pedal is pivotally mounted on the bin. The linkage connects the lid with the pedal so that the lid is lifted as the pedal is trodden. The buffer is arranged between the bracket and the lid for buffering the lid.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 16, 2003
    Publication date: October 30, 2003
    Inventor: Tsong-Yow Lin
  • Patent number: 6629621
    Abstract: A gauge hatch is provided that has a cover structure that incorporates a pallet/diaphragm combination and that is cooperatively associated with a pressure responsive liquid seal subassembly. The gauge hatch also incorporates a vent neck and a radially adjacent wall that defines with the vent neck a circumferentially extending reservoir. An exterior preferably radially extending arm permits the cover structure to be opened and inclined at an angle relative to the vent neck. Optionally, the cover may be kept in a closed position. The diaphragm normally seats upon the vent neck. A sealing liquid in the reservoir has a closed chamber over the reservoir liquid. When the arm is not held in a cover closed position, and up until a set vent neck pressure is reached, the liquid seal subassembly eliminates low level fugitive vapor emissions escaping from the diaphragm/seat region.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2003
    Assignee: The Protectoseal Company
    Inventors: Thomas C. Piotrowski, Martin Clift, Baohai Liu
  • Patent number: RE39726
    Abstract: A waste bin structure includes an inner barrel, an outer barrel, and a barrel lid. The lid cover includes an inner cover, an outer cover, and a locking portion. The inner cover is provided with a touch portion that may be pressed to pivot the inner cover upward independently. The outer barrel has a connecting portion defining a hanging recess, and the inner barrel is provided with a hanging hook portion secured in the hanging recess. The outer barrel is provided with a hood to form a handle portion of the outer barrel, so that the outer barrel is portable. The lid cover of the waste bin structure can be opened by a triggering action, and alternatively by a stepping action of a foot.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2007
    Inventor: Tsong-Yow Lin